I don’t need to say it again (we’ve covered this topic in previous posts); ah, but I will: businesses are too shy with their social marketing endeavors.
Their excuses?
“I don’t see the benefit.”
“Isn’t my newsletter enough?”
“None of this will bring in revenue.”
“I don’t want to step into a legal hassle.”
“How will a Twitter account make a difference?”
“I’ve heard horror stories about reputations being destroyed.”
“Can’t I just stick to my Web site? It’s pretty. And it cost a fortune.”
“Who will want to be a fan of my business on Facebook? I don’t want to be a fan of my business on Facebook.”
My general retort? Big fat do it anyways. And if you won’t listen to reason, at least listen to Nielson. The research firm recently disclosed data on what sites Web users spend the most amount of time. Our focus is on one of the largest social media sites around, Facebook.
Top 10 Parent Companies/Divisions for June 2009 (US, Home and Work)
Source: Nielsen NetView
Ta da! Look at that! Facebook. Number 6, with a delightful 25% boost in time by user over last month’s figure. The Number 5 position is now held by News Corp Online, owner of MySpace, which also saw a jump from May to June.
Admittedly, this isn’t motive enough to convince the wariest of businesses to enter the social sphere, but it does highlight the growing trend that more users are using social media more often. What’s more, the demographical spread is further reaching.
iStrategy had these Facebook user figures to share back in January.
Facebook Demographics Statistics 2009
The largest jump in growth was among 35 to 54 year olds, while the slightest was held among 18 to 24 year olds. And this is just over a six-month time frame.
Still not convinced? Consider what other businesses are doing in this space.
In March, Facebook rolled out Pages, the business solution held conversely to a private user’s Profile. Beyond incorporating your blog, events, live stream, and company information, fans may be privy to special campaigns, initiatives, news, sweepstakes, giveaways, and the like. Splenda, for instance, is using their Facebook page as a focus group, handing out 16,000 samples of a new product to learn consumer opinion. 1-800-FLOWERS, on the other hand, added a Shopping tab to their Page, allowing consumers to place orders within the Facebook interface, and share stories of their special occasions. Starbucks (because their glory never fades) is giving away a free pint of ice cream.
These and similar initiatives show the potential this space holds as a way to reach consumers on another level, leveraging your products and creativity.
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pshab/498122926/
Most recent posts by Joanna
- Post-Recession Online Marketing - November 17th, 2009
- The Evolving Social Media Landscape - October 6th, 2009
- The Delayed Purchase - September 22nd, 2009
- Social Media Marketing and Women - September 9th, 2009
- Twitter-Jacking? - August 25th, 2009
